Sunday, 7 July 2013

St. Martin-in-the-Fields, supporting the homeless on Trafalgar Square, London

It is early in the morning, pedestrians pass by or wait for a traffic light. They are walking to work and most of then come from the close by Underground Station of Charing Cross. The façade of this church, from architect James Gibes completed 1721, is in a perfect state. The church is very important to the city of London because it located into the heart of the city.

Saint Martin was a generous man and is know for sharing his cloak with a beggar. In the region where I was born, West-Flanders, he brings each year on 11 November candy and gifts to kids a bit in the same tradition of Saint Nicholas. The church is always open and in the spirit of Saint Martin, it provides shelter to homeless people. I entered the church around 8 o’clock in the morning and indeed several people were sleeping here. The church provides support to more than 7.000 people.

The interior is fantastic, clean and restored. The ceiling is broken white with plaster decorations, golden elements and great chandeliers. The crowns of the supporting columns show a plenitude of details. There are also a few nice paintings and a big organ but now it is time to go to work. My duty is waiting, it is going to be a long day.

The ceilings and columns are very impressive, but it is that organ I love the most! Wouldn't you just love to hear it? Our church is a homeless shelter in the cold months. We put them up on cots in our fellowship hall.

Great shots, and how interesting that this church provides shelter to the homeless. Especially considering all of the amazing art in the building. I never had heard of the tradition with St Marten about giving candy to the children. Great tradition!